Blog

How to grill safely

Summer time means grilling time, but it’s important to understand what you’re working with. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are – on average – about 8,900 grill-related fires in homes every year. With that in mind, we’re here today to share four tips that can help you grill a little more safely.

Always be careful with flammable liquids

By this we mean propane, lighter fluid and the like. Believe it or not, just those two substances alone account for over 83 percent of all grill fires, so be sure to check your lines and to not overuse lighter fluid. It can spill out, larger flames can carry – all sorts of bad things can happen. Use the recommended use on the labels and no more than that.

Always clean your grill

Certain substances can be flammable and if not cleaned, can become a fire hazard. So make sure that when you’re done cooking OR before you begin to cook – that your grates are brushed down and your cooking surface is clean.

Never grill under anything

It’s obvious you should never grill indoors – but the truth is, you need to beware of any kind of tent, awning, overhang or roof, period. All of those things can catch fire, stockpile smoke and present a danger.

Your safest bet is to grill about 10 feet away from any building or structure. That way, in case something terrible happens, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of your house catching on fire. It also allows the grill to ‘breathe’ properly, which not only means safer circumstances, but tastier food, too!

If you own a gas grill, always check the lines.

Be sure that before you cook anything, that you always check the hoses and lines that connect gas to your grill. Make sure they’re tightly connected, make sure valves don’t have leaks and make sure there’s no corrosion or rust. And no matter what you do, keep open flames and cigarettes away from gas grills. If you smell excessive gas or notice any abnormalities – don’t cook.

As with anything fun, safe practices are essential to a safe environment. If you have any questions about fire safety, whether it’s about your grill or anything else – give us a call at (877) 662-3473.